Energy management of household appliances

ABSTRACT

An appliance for conditioning air of a room comprises one or more power consuming features/functions including a temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the appliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance in the energy savings mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/097,082 filed 15 Sep. 2008, now Ser. No. ______,filed 15 Sep. 2009 (Attorney Docket No. 231,308 (GECZ 2 00948)); whichprovisional patent application is expressly incorporated herein byreference, in its entirety. In addition, cross-reference is made tocommonly owned, copending application Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep.2009 (Attorney Docket No. 233326 (GECZ 00989)); Ser. No. ______, filed15 Sep. 2009 (234622 (GECZ 2 00991)); Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep.2009 (234930 (GECZ 2 00993)); Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep. 2009(235012 (GECZ 2 00994)); Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep. 2009 (235215(GECZ 2 00995)); Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep. 2009 (238022 (GECZ 200996)); Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep. 2009 (238338 (GECZ 2 00997));Ser. No. ______, filed 15 Sep. 2009 (238404 (GECZ 2 00998)); Ser. No.______, filed 15 Sep. 2009 (237845 (GECZ 2 00999)); Ser. No. ______,filed 15 Sep. 2009 (237898 (GECZ 2 01000)); and Ser. No. ______, filed15 Sep. 2009 (237900 (GECZ 2 01001)).

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to energy management, and more particularly toenergy management of household consumer appliances. The disclosure findsparticular application to changing existing appliances via add-onfeatures or modules, and incorporating new energy saving features andfunctions into new appliances.

Currently utilities charge a flat rate, but with increasing cost of fuelprices and high energy usage at certain parts of the day, utilities haveto buy more energy to supply customers during peak demand. Consequently,utilities are charging higher rates during peak demand. If peak demandcan be lowered, then a potential huge cost savings can be achieved andthe peak load that the utility has to accommodate is lessened.

One proposed third party solution is to provide a system where acontroller “switches” the actual energy supply to the appliance orcontrol unit on and off. However, there is no active control beyond themere on/off switching. It is believed that others in the industry ceasesome operations in a refrigerator during on-peak time.

For example, in a refrigerator most energy is consumed to keep averagefreezer compartment temperature at a constant level. Recommendedtemperature level is based on bacteria multiplication. Normallyrecommended freezer temperature for long (1-2 month) food storage is 0degrees F. Research shows that bacteria rise is a linear function of thecompartment temperature, i.e., the lower the temperature the lower thebacteria multiplication. Refrigerator designers now use this knowledgeto prechill a freezer compartment (and in less degree a refrigeratorcompartment also) before defrost, thus keeping an average temperatureduring time interval that includes before, during, and after defrost atapproximately the same level (for example, 0 degrees F.).

There are also currently different methods used to determine whenvariable electricity-pricing schemes go into effect. There are phonelines, schedules, and wireless signals sent by the electrical company.One difficulty is that no peak shaving method for an appliance such as arefrigerator will provide a maximal benefit. Further, differentelectrical companies use different methods of communicating periods ofhigh electrical demand to their consumers. Other electrical companiessimply have rate schedules for different times of day.

Electrical utilities moving to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)system will need to communicate to appliances, HVAC, water heaters, etc.in a home or office building. All electrical utility companies (morethan 3,000 in the US) will not be using the same communication method tosignal in the AMI system. Similarly, known systems do not communicatedirectly with the appliance using a variety of communication methods andprotocols, nor is a modular and standard method created forcommunication devices to interface and to communicate operational modesto the main controller of the appliance. Although conventionalWiFi/ZigBee/PLC communication solutions are becoming commonplace, thisdisclosure introduces numerous additional lower cost, reliable solutionsto trigger “load shedding” responses in appliances or other users ofpower. This system may also utilize the commonplace solutions as partsof the communication protocols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, an appliance for conditioning air of a roomcomprises one or more power consuming features/functions including atemperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. Acontroller is operatively connected to the one or more power consumingfeatures/functions. The controller is configured to receive and processa signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates theappliance in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least anormal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to thereceived signal. The controller is configured to at least one ofselectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more powerconsuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of theappliance in the energy savings mode.

According to another aspect, an air conditioner control method isprovided. A state for an associated energy supplying utility isdetermined. The utility state is indicative of at least a peak demandperiod or an off-peak demand period. The air conditioner is operated ina normal mode during the off-peak demand period. The air conditioner isoperated in an energy savings mode during the peak demand period. Anynumber of one or more power consuming features/functions of the airconditioner is selectively adjusted and/or deactivated to reduce powerconsumption of the air conditioner in the energy savings mode, includingadjusting a setpoint temperature to precipitate less refrigerationsystem on time in the energy savings mode. The normal mode is returnedto after the peak demand period is over.

According to yet another aspect, a combination air conditioner and heatpump comprises a casing mountable within an opening into a room. Thecasing has openings respectively communicating with indoor and outdoorair. A refrigeration system is mounted within the casing. Therefrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser and anevaporator in a refrigerant flow relationship. At least one fan ismounted in the casing for selectively drawing one of outdoor air andindoor air to one of the condenser and evaporator. A controller isconfigured to receive and process an energy signal. The signal has afirst state indicative of a utility peak demand period and a secondstate indicative of a utility off-peak demand period. The controlleroperates the combination air conditioner and heat pump in one of anenergy savings mode and a normal operating mode based on the receivedsignal being in the first and second states respectively. The controlleris configured to one of increase and decrease a setpoint temperature ofthe refrigeration system and adjust a duty cycle of the compressor toprecipitate less compressor on time in the energy savings mode unlessperformance degradation of the combination air conditioner and heat pumpis detected.

The present disclosure reduces power consumption during on-peak hours byreducing the energy demand on the power generation facility, and alsoenabling the user/consumer to pay less to operate the appliance on anannual basis.

This disclosure is a low-cost alternative to using expensive orcomplicated methods of determining when peak electrical rates apply. Forexample, when the refrigerator is in peak shaving mode (or it could beprogrammed to do this constantly), an ambient light sensor determineswhen it is morning, and then stays in energy-saving mode for apredetermined number of hours. Preferably, the system will need acounter to know that the room has been dark for a predetermined numberof hours. When the lights come on for a certain length of time, then thesystem knows, for example, that it is morning.

This disclosure provides a peak-shaving appliance such as arefrigerator, including a method to determine when to go intopeak-shaving mode without using additional components, or componentsthat have another purpose, and provides a high percentage of the maximumbenefit for negligible cost. The two components needed for this are anambient light sensor and a timer. The kitchen will be dark for anextended period of time while everyone is sleeping. The light sensor andthe timer will be used to determine that it is nighttime and morning canbe determined by the light sensor. When the refrigerator determines itis morning, the timer will be used to initiate peak shaving mode aftersome delay time. For example, peak shaving mode could start three hoursafter it is determined morning starts. Similarly, the ambient lightsensor can also be used for dimming the refrigerator lights. Thisdisclosure advantageously uses ambient light to determine when to startpeak shaving.

An appliance interface can be provided for all appliances leaving themodule to communicate with the AMI system. The system provides forappliance sales with a Demand Side Management capable appliance. TheDemand Side Management Module (DSMM) is provided to control the energyconsumption and control functions of an appliance using a communicationmethod (including but not limited to PLC, FM, AM SSB, WiFi, ZigBee,Radio Broadcast Data System, 802.11, 802.15.4, etc.). The modularapproach will enable an appliance to match electrical utilitycommunication requirements. Each electrical utility region may havedifferent communication methods, protocol methods, etc. This modularapproach allows an appliance to be adapted to a particular geographicalarea of a consumer or a particular electrical provider. The module canbe added as a follow on feature and applied after the appliance isinstalled. Typical installations could include an integral mountedmodule (inside the appliance or unit) or an externally mounted module(at the wall electrical receptacle or anywhere outside the appliance orunit). The module in this disclosure provides for 2 way communicationsif needed, and will provide for several states of operation—forexample, 1) normal operation, 2) operation in low energy mode (but notoff), and 3) operation in lowest energy mode.

This module could be powered from the appliance or via a separate powersupply, or with rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries couldbe set to charge under off-peak conditions. With the module powered fromthe appliance, the appliance could turn it off until the applianceneeded to make a decision about power usage, eliminating the standbypower draw of the module. If powered separately, the appliance could goto a low energy state or completely off, while the module continued tomonitor rates.

Use of RFID tags in one proposed system should offer significant savingssince the RFID tags have become very low cost due to the proliferationof these devices in retail and will effectively allow the enabledappliance to effectively communicate with the utility meter (e.g.,receive signals from the utility meter). This system makes it very easyfor a customer to manage energy usage during peak demand periods andlowers the inconvenience level to the customer by not shutting offappliances in the home by the utility. When local storage and localgeneration are integrated into the system, then cost savings are seen bythe customer. This system also solves the issue of rollingbrownouts/blackouts caused by excessive power demand by lowering theoverall demand. Also, the system allows the customer to pre-programchoices into the system that will ultimately lower utility demand aswell as save the customer money in the customer's utility billing. Forinstance, the customer may choose to disable the defrost cycle of arefrigerator during peak rate timeframes. This disclosure provides forthe controller to “communicate” with the internal appliance controlboard and command the appliance to execute specific actions with nocurtailment in the energy supply. This disclosure further provides amethod of communicating data between a master device and one or moreslave devices using RFID technology. This can be a number of states orsignals, either using one or more passive RFID tags that resonate atdifferent frequencies resonated by the master, or one or more activeRFID tags that can store data that can be manipulated by the masterdevice and read by the slave device(s). The states in either the passiveor active RFID tags can then be read by the microcontroller on the slavedevice(s) and appropriate functions/actions can be taken based uponthese signals.

Another exemplary embodiment uses continuous coded tones riding oncarrier frequencies to transmit intelligence, for example, when one ismerely passing rate information such as rate 1, 2, 3, or 4, using thetones to transmit the signals. One could further enhance the details ofthe messaging by assigning a binary number to a given tone, thusallowing one to “spell out” a message using binary coding with multipletones. The appliance microcomputer would be programmed to respond to agiven number that would arrive in binary format.

One advantage of this approach is that customers have complete controlof their power. There have been proposals by utilities to shut offcustomers if they exceed demand limits or increase the number of rollingbrownouts. This method also gives a customer finer granulity in theirhome in terms of control. A customer does not have to load shed a roomjust to manage a single device.

This disclosure also advantageously provides modes of load shedding inthe appliance, lighting, or HVAC other than “on/off” to make thesituation more acceptable from the perspective of the customer.

An advantage of the present disclosure is the ability to produceappliances with a common interface and let the module deal with theDemand Side Management.

Another advantage is the ability to control functions and featureswithin the appliance and/or unit at various energy levels, i.e., asopposed to just an on/off function.

Another advantage is that the consumer can choose the module or choosenot to have the module. If the module is chosen, it can be matched tothe particular electrical utility service provider communication methodof the consumer.

Another benefit is the increased flexibility with an associatedelectrical service provider, and the provision of several modes ofoperation (not simply an on/off mode). The module can be placed orpositioned inside or outside the appliance and/or unit to provide demandside management.

Still other benefits relate to modularity, the ability to handlemultiple communication methods and protocols without adversely impactingthe cost of the appliance, opening up appliances to a variety ofprotocols, enabling demand side management or energy management, and/orproviding for a standard interface to the appliance (for example,offering prechill and/or temperature set change during on-peak hours).

Low cost, reliable RF transmissions within the home, rather than usingindustrial solutions such as PLC or Zigbee solutions which aresignificantly more costly than the aforementioned system.

Still other features and benefits of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from reading and understanding the following detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-21 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an energy managementsystem for household appliances.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary demand managed airconditioner.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary demand managedelectric heater.

FIG. 24 is an exemplary operational flow charts for the air conditionerof FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a more advanced system is provided to handle energymanagement between the utility and the homeowner's appliances. Thesystem can include one or more of the following: a controller, utilitymeter, communication network, intelligent appliances, local storage,local generator and/or demand server. Less advanced systems may actuallyallow the appliance to “communicate directly with the utility meter ormesh network through the DSSM (Demand Side Management Module) (FIG. 1).The demand server is a computer system that notifies the controller whenthe utility is in peak demand and what is the utility's current demandlimit. A utility meter can also provide the controller the occurrence ofpeak demand and demand limit. The demand limit can also be set by thehome owner. Additionally, the homeowner can choose to force variousmodes in the appliance control based on the rate the utility is chargingat different times of the day. The controller will look at the energyconsumption currently used by the home via the utility meter and see ifthe home is exceeding the demand limit read from the server. If thedemand limit is exceeded, the controller will notify the intelligentappliances, lighting and thermostat/HVAC (FIG. 2).

Each intelligent appliance has a communication interface that linksitself to the controller (FIG. 3). This interface can be power-linecarrier, wireless, and/or wired. The controller will interact with theappliance and lighting controls as well as thermostat (for HVAC) toexecute the users preferences/settings.

Enabled appliances receive signals from the utility meter and help lowerthe peak load on the utility and lower the amount of energy that theconsumer uses during high energy cost periods of the day. There areseveral ways to accomplish this, through wireless communication (ZigBee,WiFi, etc) or through PLC (power line carrier) communication.Alternatively, using passive RFID tags that resonate at differentfrequencies resonated by the master, or one or more active RFID tagsthat can store data that can be manipulated by the master device andread by the slave devices(s) is an effective and potentially lower costcommunication solution since there is no protocol. Rather, a pulse ofenergy at a particular frequency will allow a low cost method with anopen protocol for transmitting/communicating between a master device andone or more slave devices, and appropriate functions/actions can betaken based upon these signals.

The interaction between controller and appliances can occur in two ways.For example, in one scenario during a peak demand period, the controllerwill receive a demand limit from the utility, demand server or user. Thecontroller will then allocate the home's demand based on two factors:priority of the appliance and energy need level (FIG. 4). The prioritydictates which appliances have higher priority to be in full or partialenergy mode than other appliances. Energy need dictates how much energyis required for a certain time period in order for that appliance tofunction properly. If the appliance's energy need is too low to functionproperly, the appliance moves to a normal mode or a higher energy needlevel. The energy saving mode is typically a lower energy usage mode forthe appliance such as shutdowns of compressors and motors, delayedcycles, higher operating temperatures in summer or lower operatingtemperatures in winter until the peak demand period is over. Once thedemand limit is reached, the appliances will stay in their energy modeuntil peak demand is over, or a user overrides, or appliance finishesneed cycle or priority changes. The controller constantly receivesstatus updates from the appliances in order to determine which statethey are in and in order to determine if priorities need to change toaccomplish the system goals.

In a second scenario, for example, a set point is provided. During apeak demand period, the controller will tell each appliance to go intopeak demand mode (FIG. 5). The appliance will then go into a lowerenergy mode. The customer can deactivate the energy savings mode byselecting a feature on the appliance front end controls (i.e. userinterface board) before or during the appliance use or at thecontroller. The controller can also communicate to a local storage orpower generation unit. This local unit is connected to the incomingpower supply from the utility. The controller notifies the storage unitto charge when it is not in peak demand, if a storage unit is includedand available. If the storage unit has enough energy to supply theappliances during peak demand, then the controller will switch thehome's energy consumption from the utility to the storage unit. The unitcan also be local generator/storage such as solar, hydrogen fuel cell,etc.

The central controller handles energy management between the utility andhome appliances, lighting, thermostat/HVAC, etc. with customer choicesincorporated in the decision making process. The controller may includenotification of an energy saving mode based on demand limit read fromone or more of a utility meter, utility, demand server or user. Anenergy savings mode of an appliance can thereby be controlled orregulated based on priority and energy need level sent from thecontroller and/or the customer (FIG. 6). Likewise, consideration to useof local energy storage and use of a local generator to offset peakdemand limit can be incorporated into the energy managementconsiderations, or provide the ability to override mode of energysavings through the controller or at the appliance, lighting, orthermostat/HVAC (FIGS. 7 and 8).

The present disclosure has the ability for the home to shed loads inpending brown-out or black-out situations, yet have intelligence toprevent an improper action such as shutting down the refrigerator forextended timeframes that might compromise food storage safety.

How much energy the appliance consumes in peak demand is based onpriority of the device and the energy need level. If the appliance'spriority is high, then the appliance will most likely not go into asaving mode. The energy need level is based on how little energy theappliance can consume during peak demand and still provide the functionsetting it is in (i.e. in a refrigerator, ensuring that the temperatureis cool enough to prevent spoiling). It will also be appreciated that anappliance may have multiple energy need levels.

The controller will be the main product with the communication andsettings control incorporated within future appliances. Specific meterswill be selected so that the controller can read the demand usage. It isintended that the demand server will possibly be purchased or leased tothe utility.

A method is provided for constructing an appliance designed to performany key function, the appliance comprises of several mechanical andelectrical elements controlled by a main controller. This maincontroller has a port for receiving information regarding theoperational state of the appliance. The port also has a user interfaceor switch which could be used to override the information received bythe controller through the port. Two-way or one-way communicationdevices may be connected to the port. These communication devices willreceive signals from a remote controller, process those signals and as aresult communicate an operational state to the main controller of theappliance. This operational state is communicated to the main controllerby one or more remote controllers in a specific format determined by theappliance. These signals from the remote controller(s) could be based ona variety of communication methods and associated protocols. Onreceiving the operational state signal, the appliance main controllercauses the appliance to run a predetermined operational mode. Theseoperational modes are designed into the appliance(s) and result indifferent resource consumption levels or patterns, even delaying use.Resources could include energy, water, air, heat, sunlight, time, etc.In future appliance models, the consumer might be given the authority tomodify the appliance responses to a given rate signal. The consumerwould be presented a “check box” of potential response modes and allowedto choose within set parameters. For instance, the consumer might beallowed to choose the amount of temperature adjustment a refrigeratorwill make in response to a high utility rate.

A method of communicating data between a master device and one or moreslave devices may advantageously use continuous tone-coded transmissionsystem. This can be a number of states or signals, either using one ormore continuous tones that signify different rate states coming from thehome area network (from meter) or the utility. Additionally, one couldsend a combination of tones to transmit binary messages using a fewtones. The slave devices will incorporate a receiver that receives thecarrier frequency and then decodes the continuous tone which correspondsto the particular state of the utility rate. Once the “receiver board”detects the tone, then the downstream circuitry will trigger theappropriate response in the appliance. The carrier frequency in thisscheme can be numerous spectrums, one being the FM broadcast band or aspecific FM band allocated by the FCC for low level power output. Theadvantage of broadcast band FM is the low cost of such devices and thepotential to penetrate walls, etc. within a home with very low levels ofpower due to the long wavelength of the 89-106 Mhz carrier. This processis used today in 2-way radio communications to reduce the annoyance oflistening to multiple users on shared 2-way radio frequencies. Theprocess in these radios is referred to as CTCSS (continuous tone-codedsquelch system) and would find application in this end use.

Generally, it is not known to have modular interfaces that can receivesignals from a control source. Also, no prior arrangements havefunctioned by addressing the control board of the appliance with asignal that directs the appliance to respond.

Thus, by way of example only, the structure and/or operation of arefrigerator (FIG. 9, although other appliances are also represented)may be modified or altered by reducing the temperature, especially inthe freezer compartment pre on-peak time and further temporarily providea compartment temperature increase to shave on-peak load. Specifically,defrost operation could be delayed until off-peak time. Alternatively orconjunctively, the freezer and refrigerator temperature setpoints may beset to maintain less compressor on time during on-peak demand times.Similarly, the refrigerator/freezer could be programmed so that lightswill not be permitted to come on or the lights must be dimmed lightsduring on-peak demand times. During on-peak demand times, the fanoperating speeds can be reduced, and/or compressor operating speedreduced in order to reduce energy consumption. Still another option isto reduce the delay time for the door alarm to sound during on-peaktime. Other power load reducing measures in a refrigerator may include(reducing before on-peak hours) the temperature of the freezer andrefrigerator compartments in a refrigerator (prechill) and slightlyincrease temperature setting during on-peak rates. For example, justbefore peak rate time, the temperature setting could be decreased by 1-2degrees (during off-peak rates). Some communication line with theelectrical company could be established. Thus, the electrical companymay be able to send a signal in advance to prechill the refrigerator (orin the case of an air conditioner, decrease the room temperature duringoff-peak rates as a pre-chill maneuver) and, in turn, increase thetemperature setting during on-peak rates.

Still other energy consuming practices of the exemplary refrigeratorthat may be altered include turning the ice-maker off during on-peakdemand times, or disabling the crushed ice mode during on-peak demandtimes. Alternatively, the consumer may be given the ability to selectvia a user interface which items are incorporated into the on-peakdemand via an enable/disable menu, or to provide input selection such asentry of a zip code (FIG. 10) in order to select the utility company andtime of use schedule (FIG. 11), or using a time versus day of the weekschedule input method (FIGS. 12-13).

The user interface may also incorporate suggested energy saving tips orshow energy usage, or provide an indicator during on-peak mode, orprovide a counter to illustrate the energy impact of door opening, orshowing an energy calculator to the consumer to serve as a reminder ofthe impact of certain selections/actions on energy use or energyconservation (FIGS. 14-19).

One path that is being pursued from the appliance perspective is toallow the onboard CPU (microprocessor) of the appliance to determine howto respond to an incoming signal asking for a load shedding response.For example, the CPU will turn on, turn off, throttle, delay, adjust, ormodify specific functions and features in the appliance to provide aturndown in power consumption (FIG. 20). FIG. 21 defines specificallyexemplary modes of what are possible. The main feature here is theenabling of the main board microprocessor or CPU to execute actions inthe appliance to deliver load shedding (lowering power consumption atthat instant). The actions available in each appliance are only limitedto the devices that the CPU has control over, which are nearly all ofthe electrical consuming devices in an appliance. This may work betterwhere the appliance has an electronic control versus anelectromechanical control.

Of course, the above description focuses on the refrigerator but theseconcepts are equally applicable to other home appliances such asdishwashers, water heaters, washing machines, clothes dryers,televisions (activate a recording feature rather than turning on thetelevision), etc., and the list is simply representative and notintended to be all encompassing.

Likewise, although these concepts have been described with respect toappliances, they may find application in areas other than appliances andother than electricity usage. For example, a controller that acts as anintermediary between the utilities meter and the appliance interpretsthe utility signal, processes it and then submits this signal to theappliance for the prescribed reaction. In a similar fashion, thecontroller may find application to other household utilities, forexample, natural gas and water within the home. One can equip the waterand gas meters to measure flow rates and then drive responses to a gaswater heater or gas furnace precisely like the electrical case. Thiswould assume that one might experience variable gas and water rates inthe future. Secondly, the flow meters being connected to the controllercould provide a consumer with a warning as to broken or leaking waterlines by comparing the flow rate when a given appliance or appliancesare on to the normal consumption. In cases where safety is a concern,the system could stop the flow of gas or water based on the dataanalysis.

Another feature might be the incorporation of “remote subscription” forthe utility benefit. In some cases, the utility will be providingcustomers discounts/rebates for subscribing to DSM in their appliances,hot water heaters, etc. The “remote subscription” feature would allowthe utility to send a signal that would “lockout” the consumer fromdisabling the feature since they were on the “rebate” program.

Another feature that the controller lends itself to is the inclusion of“Remote diagnostics”. This feature would allow the appliance to send asignal or message to the controller indicating that something in theappliance was not up to specifications. The controller could then relaythis signal to the utility or to the appliance manufacturer via thevarious communication avenues included into the controller (i.e., WIFI,WIMAX, Broadband, cell phone, or any other formats that the controllercould “speak”).

In the case of a remote subscription, the utilities today rely on thehonesty of their subscribers to leave the DSM system functional. Somepeople may receive the discounts/rebate and then disable the featurethat drives the load shedding. With this system, the utility can ensurethat the feature will be enabled and provide the proper load shedding.

According to one aspect, an appliance 100 for conditioning air of a roomcomprises one or more power consuming features/functions including atemperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. Acontroller 104 is operatively connected to each of the power consumingfeatures/functions. The controller 104 can include a micro computer on aprinted circuit board which is programmed to selectively control theenergization of the power consuming features/functions. The controller104 is configured to receive and process a signal 108 indicative of autility state, for example, availability and/or current cost of suppliedenergy. The energy signal may be generated by a utility provider, suchas a power company, and can be transmitted via a power line, as a radiofrequency signal, or by any other means for transmitting a signal whenthe utility provider desires to reduce demand for its resources. Thecost can be indicative of the state of the demand for the utility'senergy, for example a relatively high price or cost of supplied energyis typically associated with a peak demand state or period and arelative low price or cost is typically associated with an off-peakdemand state or period.

The controller 104 can operate the appliance 100 in one of a pluralityof operating modes, including a normal operating mode and an energysavings mode in response to the received signal. Specifically, theappliance 100 can be operated in the normal mode in response to a signalindicating an off-peak demand state or period and can be operated in anenergy savings mode in response to a signal indicating a peak demandstate or period. As will be discussed in greater detail below, thecontroller 104 is configured to selectively adjust and disable at leastone of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reducepower consumption of the appliance 100 in the energy savings mode. Itshould be appreciated that the controller can be configured with defaultsettings which govern normal mode and energy savings mode operation.Such settings in each mode can be fixed while others adjustable to userpreference and to provide response to load shedding signals.

An exemplary embodiment of the appliance 100 is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, the appliance 100 is an airconditioner 110 with or without a heat pump cycle and the temperaturecontrolling element is a refrigeration system 112. With reference toFIG. 22, the air conditioner 110 comprises a housing or casing 116mountable within an opening into a room. The casing has openingsrespectively communicating with indoor and outdoor air. Therefrigeration system 112 is mounted within the casing. The refrigerationsystem includes a compressor 120, a condenser 122 and an evaporator 124in a refrigerant flow relationship. The condenser and evaporator are oneof an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, depending onthe direction of flow of the refrigerant through the refrigerationsystem 112, wherein one of the heat exchangers functions to absorb heatand the other heat exchanger functions to dissipate heat. At least onefan 130 is mounted in the casing for selectively drawing one of outdoorair and indoor air to one of the condenser and evaporator. The at leastone fan can include a condenser fan for circulating outdoor air over thecondenser and an evaporator fan for circulating indoor air over theevaporator.

The refrigeration system 112 is a closed loop system defining passagesfor a refrigerant fluid to flow. Generally, refrigerant flows to thecompressor 120, which can be driven by electrical energy or othersuitable power source. The compressor imparts pressure to therefrigerant fluid, thereby increasing its temperature, and dischargesthe refrigerant in a hot state. The condenser 122 can comprise one ormore tubes adapted to receive the hot refrigerant from the compressor.The evaporator 124 is adapted to receive cooled refrigerant from aconduit extending from the condenser. A thermostatic expansion valve 134can be located on the conduit to meter the flow of liquid refrigerantentering the evaporator at a rate that matches the amount of refrigerantbeing boiled off in the evaporator. The evaporator is adapted todischarge refrigerant to a conduit which is in communication with thecompressor. Condensate from the evaporator is drained off.

More particularly, according to one exemplary embodiment, the housing orcasing 116 has a front opening including an inlet and an outlet disposedin the room to be conditioned, and a rear opening including an inlet andan outlet exposed to the outdoor ambient. The refrigeration system 112is arranged in the casing 116. The interior of the casing 116 caninclude a partition or barrier that divides the interior of the casinginto an indoor compartment and an outdoor compartment in which aremounted respectively the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heatexchanger. As indicated previously, the heat exchangers are connected inrefrigerant flow relationship with the compressor 120 also positioned inthe casing 116. For a combination air conditioner and heat pump, therefrigeration system 112 is a reversible refrigerant flow type and isprovided with a reversing valve 136. The reversing valve 136 may beselectively operated to reverse the flow of refrigerant to the heatexchangers so that they function interchangeably as the evaporator 124or condenser 122 to heat or cool the respective air streams circulatedover the heat exchangers.

When the air conditioner 110 is in operation, air is drawn from withinthe room through the front opening inlet and circulated by a first fanor blower 140. The room air is directed through the indoor compartment,passes through the indoor heat exchanger, through the front openingoutlet. The blower 140 is driven by a motor (not shown) mounted in thecasing 116. During the cooling cycle, the indoor heat exchanger isfunctioning as the system evaporator 124 to cool and dehumidify room airthat is circulated through it for conditioning by it. Moisture from theair stream being circulated over the indoor heat exchanger is condensedonto its coiled surfaces. As is well known, a drip tray (not shown) canbe provided for collecting this condensate water and delivering it to awater receptacle or sump area formed in a base of the casing 116. Theoutdoor heat exchanger functions as the system condenser 122 and iscooled by the outdoor air being circulated thereover by a second fan 142generally driven by the motor. Although, it should be appreciated that aseparate motor can be used to drive the second fan.

For an air conditioner having a heat pump cycle, during the heatingcycle, the reversing valve 136 is positioned to reverse the flow ofrefrigerant to the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers, thereuponutilizing the indoor heat exchanger as the system condenser 122 fordissipating heat to heat to heat the room air that is circulated throughit. The outdoor heat exchanger, now functioning as the system evaporator124, condenses moisture out of the outside air. Condensate from theoutdoor heat exchanger accumulates in the drip tray. This watercollected from the outdoor heat exchanger can be transferred to theindoor compartment when the unit is operating in the heating cycle andtherein added to the recirculating indoor air.

According to one aspect, a sensing device 150 can be located on thecasing 116. The sensing device is operatively connected to thecontroller 104 and is configured to measure the temperature of the airin the room and the temperature and/or humidity of the outdoor air. Theoutput of the sensing device 150 is processed by the controller 104. Thecontroller, in response to the sensing device output and depending onthe setpoint temperature, selectively actuates the refrigeration system112. In a cooling mode if the temperature and/or humidity of the outdoorair is less than the setpoint temperature, the controller 104 candeactivate the refrigeration system 112 and selectively draw in outdoorair to the associated room via one of the fans. In this instance, adryer can be provided to regulate imbalances in humidity. Moreparticularly, according to one exemplary embodiment, the measuredoutdoor temperature and/or humidity is compared to the setpoint and/orindoor temperatures to determine whether to open a damper 152, thusallowing cooler and low humid outdoor air to circulate into the room.This can allow the refrigeration system 112 to be turned off or run atreduced power/duty cycle thus saving energy. This operational mode canbe most effective in the evenings and at night when outside temperaturesdrop quicker than indoor air, and is suited for general energyconservation regardless of the operating mode of the air conditioner. Tolimit air particulates from the outside air entering the indoor air, anair filter 154 (for example, HEPA; activated-carbon; UV; ozone; ionizer;etc.) could be added in series with the damper 152, providing both freshventilated and filtered air into the room.

Another exemplary embodiment of the appliance 100 is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 23. In this embodiment, the appliance 100 is anelectric heater 160 and the temperature controlling element is anelectrically driven heating element 162 for heating air. With referenceto FIG. 23, the electric heater comprises a housing 164 for housing theheating element 162. The heat generated by the heating element radiatesthrough the housing to heat the air in the room. A fan 166 can beprovided to direct the room air over the heating element. It should beappreciated that that alternative heating means for the electric heaterare contemplated. For example, a positive temperature coefficient heaterwhich is configured to limit temperature of the heater 160 to a maximumdesired temperature can be utilized. In the energy savings mode, thecontroller 104 is configured to one of deactivate, adjust a setpointtemperature of vary or reduce voltage to and adjust a duty cycle of theheating element to reduce power consumption of the electric heater 160.The speed of the fan 166 can also be varied and/or reduced or the fancan be deactivated in the energy savings mode.

A control panel or user interface 170 is provided on the appliance 100and is operatively connected to the controller 104. The control panel170 can include a display and control buttons for making variousoperational selections, such as setting the setpoint temperature oftemperature controlling element. A light source 172 is provided forilluminating the user interface.

If the controller 104 receives and processes an energy signal indicativeof a peak demand period at any time during operation of the appliance100, the controller makes a determination of whether one or more of thepower consuming features/functions should be operated in the energysavings mode and if so, it signals the appropriate features/functions ofthe appliance 100 to begin operating in the energy savings mode in orderto reduce the instantaneous amount of energy being consumed by theappliance. The controller 104 determines what features/functions shouldbe operated at a lower consumption level and what that lower consumptionlevel should be, rather than an uncontrolled immediate termination ofthe operation of specific features/functions.

In order to reduce the peak energy consumed by the appliance 100, thecontroller 104 is configured to at least one of selectively adjust anddisable at least one of the one or more above described power consumingfeatures/functions to reduce power consumption of the appliance 100 inthe energy savings mode. Reducing total energy consumed also encompassesreducing the energy consumed at peak times and/or reducing the overallelectricity demands. Electricity demands can be defined as average wattsover a short period of time, typically 5-60 minutes. Off peak demandperiods correspond to periods during which lower cost energy is beingsupplied by the utility relative to peak demand periods. Operationaladjustments that result in functional energy savings will be describedin detail hereinafter.

As set forth above, the air conditioner 110 has a setpoint temperaturein the normal operating mode. To reduce the power consumption of the airconditioner 110 in the energy savings mode, the controller 104 isconfigured to adjust (increase or decrease) the setpoint temperature ofthe air conditioner 110 to precipitate less refrigeration system on time(i.e., compressor on time) in the energy savings mode. For example, ifthe air conditioner 110 is being used to cool the room air, thecontroller 104 can increase the setpoint temperature. If the airconditioner 110 includes a heat pump cycle to heat the room air, thecontroller 104 can decrease the setpoint temperature. To precipitateless compressor on time, according to one aspect, a duty cycle of thecompressor 120 can be adjusted (for example, by time or by setpoint) inthe energy savings mode. According to another aspect, to reduce thecurrent draw of the compressor 120 in the energy savings mode, the speedand/or capacity of the compressor can be varied or reduced. Acontrollable expansion valve 134 can also be implemented. According toyet another aspect, the refrigeration system 112 can be temporarilydeactivated in the energy savings mode. In this instance, the fan 130can continue to operate to limit discomfort to the consumer. The lightsource 172 can also be dimmed or deactivated in the energy savings mode.The speed of the fan can also be varied and/or reduced or the fan can bedeactivated in the energy savings mode.

Other power load reducing measures may include reducing (or increasing)before on-peak hours the setpoint temperature and increasing (orreducing) the setpoint temperature during on-peak rates. For example,just before peak rate time, the temperature setting of the airconditioner 110 could be decreased by 1-2 degrees (during off-peakrates). Some communication line with the utility including but notlimited to the communication arrangements hereinbefore described couldbe established so that the utility can send a signal in advance todecrease the room temperature during off-peak rates as a pre-chillmaneuver and, in turn, increase the setpoint temperature during on-peakrates.

The determination of which power consuming features/functions areoperated in a energy savings mode may depend on whether the airconditioner 110 is currently operating in the cooling cycle or theheating cycle. In one embodiment, the controller 104 may includefunctionality to determine whether activation of the energy savings modefor any power consuming features/functions would potentially causedamage to any feature/function of the air conditioner 110 itself orwould cause the air conditioner to fail to perform its intendedfunction. If the controller 104 determines that an unacceptableconsequence may occur by performing an energy saving action, such asdeactivating or curtailing the operation of the refrigeration system112, the controller may opt-out of performing that specific energysaving action or may institute or extend other procedures.

With reference to FIG. 24, a control method for the appliance 100 inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure comprises receivingand processing the signal indicative of cost of supplied energy (S200),determining a state for an associated energy supplying utility, such asa cost of supplying energy from the associated utility (S202), theutility state being indicative of at least a peak demand period or anoff-peak demand period, operating the appliance 100 in a normal modeduring the off-peak demand period (S204), operating the appliance in anenergy savings during the peak demand period (S206), adjusting and/orselectively deactivating any number of one or more power consumingfeatures/functions of the appliance 100 to reduce power consumption ofthe appliance in the energy savings mode, and returning to the normalmode after the peak demand period is over (S210). For the airconditioner 110, the control method can comprise adjusting a setpointtemperature to precipitate less refrigeration system on time in theenergy savings mode. The control method can further comprise adjusting aduty cycle or variable speed of the compressor 120 and/or deactivatingthe refrigeration system 112 altogether.

As yet another method to reduce power consumption of the air conditionerin the energy savings mode, the sensing device 150 is operativelyconnected to the controller 104 and is configured to measure the outdoortemperature and/or humidity and the indoor air temperature and/orsetpoint temperature. The control method compares the measuredtemperature and/or humidity of outdoor air to the setpoint and/or indoortemperatures to determine whether to open the damper 152 and allowcooler and low humid outdoor air to circulate into the room. Therefrigeration system 112 can be deactivated during this coolingoperating condition.

As indicated previously, the control panel or user interface 170 caninclude a display and control buttons for making various operationalselections. The display can be configured to provide active, real-timefeedback to the user on the cost of operating the appliance 100. Thecosts associated with using the appliance 100 are generally based on thecurrent operating and usage patterns and energy consumption costs, suchas the cost per kilowatt hour charged by the corresponding utility. Thecontroller 104 is configured to gather information and data related tocurrent usage patterns and as well as current power costs. Thisinformation can be used to determine current energy usage and costassociated with using the appliance 100 in one of the energy savingsmode and normal mode. This real-time information (i.e., current usagepatterns, current power cost and current energy usage/cost) can bepresented to the user via the display.

It is to be appreciated that a manual or selectable override can beprovided on the user interface 170 providing a user the ability toselect which of the one or more power consuming features/functions aredelayed, adjusted and/or disabled by the controller in the energysavings mode. The user can override any adjustments, whether timerelated or function related, to any of the power consuming functions.Further, the user can override the current operating mode of theappliance 100. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 24, if the utility statehas an associated energy cost, the user can base operation of theappliance on a user selected targeted energy cost, such a selectedpricing tier or cost per kilowatt hour charged by the correspondingutility (S220). If the current cost exceeds the user selected cost, thecontroller 104 will operate the appliance 100 in the energy savings mode(S222 and S206). If the current cost is less than the user selectedcost, the controller 104 will operate the appliance 100 in the normalmode (S204). This operation based on a user selected targeted energycost is regardless of the current energy cost being indicative of one ofa peak demand period and an off-peak demand period.

The operational adjustments, particularly an energy savings operationcan be accompanied by a display on the control panel which communicatesactivation of the energy savings mode. The energy savings mode displaycan include a display of “ECO”, “Eco”, “EP”, “ER”, “CP”, “CPP”, “DR”, or“PP” on the appliance display panel in cases where the display islimited to three characters. In cases with displays having additionalcharacters available, messaging can be enhanced accordingly.Additionally, an audible signal can be provided to alert the user of theappliance operating in the energy savings mode.

The duration of time that the appliance 100 operates in the energysavings mode may be determined by information in the energy signal. Forexample, the energy signal may inform the controller 104 to operate inthe energy savings mode for a few minutes or for one hour, at which timethe appliance 100 returns to normal operation. Alternatively, the energysignal may be continuously transmitted by the utility provider, or othersignal generating system, as long as it is determined that instantaneousload reduction is necessary. Once transmission of the signal has ceased,the appliance 100 returns to normal operating mode. In yet anotherembodiment, an energy signal may be transmitted to the controller 104 tosignal the appliance 100 to operate in the energy savings mode. A normaloperation signal may then be later transmitted to the appliance tosignal the appliance to return to the normal operating mode.

The operation of the appliance 100 may vary as a function of acharacteristic of the utility state and/or supplied energy, e.g.,availability and/or price. Because some energy suppliers offer what isknown as time-of-day pricing in their tariffs, price points could betied directly to the tariff structure for the energy supplier. If realtime pricing is offered by the energy supplier serving the site, thisvariance could be utilized to generate savings and reduce chain demand.Another load management program offered by energy supplier utilizesprice tiers which the utility manages dynamically to reflect the totalcost of energy delivery to its customers. These tiers provide thecustomer a relative indicator of the price of energy and are usuallydefined as being LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH and CRITICAL. The controller 104 isconfigured to operate the appliance in an operating mode correspondingto one of the price tiers. For example, the controller is configured tooperate the appliance 100 in the normal operating mode during each ofthe low and medium price tier and is configured to operate the appliancein the energy savings mode during each of the high and critical pricetier. If the utility offers more than two rate/cost conditions,different combinations of energy saving control steps may be programmedto provide satisfactory cost savings/performance tradeoff.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also thatvarious presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

1. An appliance for conditioning air of an associated room comprising:one or more power consuming features/functions including a temperaturecontrolling element for one of heating and cooling air; and a controlleroperatively connected to the one or more power consumingfeatures/functions, the controller being configured to receive andprocess a signal indicative of a utility state, the controller operatingthe appliance in one of a plurality or operating modes, including atleast a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response tothe received signal, the controller being configured to at least one ofselectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more powerconsuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of theappliance in the energy savings mode.
 2. The appliance of claim 1,wherein the temperature controlling element is a refrigeration systemoperable in one of a heating and cooling cycle, the refrigeration systemincluding a setpoint temperature, the controller being configured toadjust the setpoint temperature to precipitate less refrigeration systemon time in the energy savings mode.
 3. The appliance of claim 2, whereinthe controller is configured to increase the setpoint temperature in acooling operating condition and decrease the setpoint temperature in aheating operating condition.
 4. The appliance of claim 2, wherein thecontroller is configured to deactivate the refrigeration system in theenergy savings mode.
 5. The appliance of claim 2, wherein therefrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser and anevaporator in a refrigerant flow relationship, the controller beingconfigured to one of adjust a duty cycle of, reduce the speed of andreduce the capacity of the compressor in the energy savings mode.
 6. Theappliance of claim 1, wherein the temperature controlling element is anelectrically driven heating element for heating air, the controllerbeing configured to one of deactivate, adjust a setpoint temperature of,reduce voltage to and adjust a duty cycle of the heating element in theenergy savings mode.
 7. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the one ormore power consuming features/functions further includes a light sourcefor illuminating a user interface, the controller being configured todisable the light source in the energy savings mode.
 8. The appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the utility state has an associated energy cost andwherein the controller is configured to override the operating mode ofthe appliance based on a user selected targeted energy cost, wherein ifcurrent energy cost exceeds the user selected cost, the controlleroperates the appliance in the energy savings mode, and wherein if thecurrent energy cost is less than the user selected cost, the controlleroperates the appliance in the normal operating mode.
 9. The appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the utility state signal is indicative of a price tierof the supplied energy, the controller being configured to operate theappliance in an operating mode corresponding to the price tier.
 10. Theappliance of claim 1, further including a user interface operativelyconnected to the controller, the user interface including a selectableoverride option providing a user the ability to select which of the oneor more power consuming features/functions are adjusted and/or disabledby the controller in the energy savings mode, the user interface furtherincluding a display communicating activation of the energy savings mode.11. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the utility state signal isindicative of the cost of the energy provided when in that state, theappliance further including a display indicative of current cost ofenergy and current cost of operating the appliance.
 12. An airconditioner control method, comprising: determining a state for anassociated energy supplying utility, the utility state being indicativeof at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period; operatingthe air conditioner in a normal mode during the off-peak demand period;operating the air conditioner in an energy savings mode during the peakdemand period; selectively adjusting and/or deactivating any number ofone or more power consuming features/functions of the air conditioner toreduce power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy savingsmode, including adjusting a setpoint temperature to precipitate lessrefrigeration system on time in the energy savings mode; and returningto the normal mode after the peak demand period is over.
 13. The methodof claim 12, further comprising adjusting one of a duty cycle and speedof a compressor of the refrigeration system in the energy savings mode.14. The method of claim 12, further comprising deactivating therefrigeration system in the energy savings mode.
 15. The method of claim12, further comprising: measuring one of temperature and humidity ofoutdoor air, measuring indoor air temperature, comparing one of themeasured temperature and humidity to one of the setpoint temperature andindoor air temperature, deactivating or reducing power of therefrigeration system during a cooling operating condition if one of themeasured temperature and humidity is approximately equal to one of thesetpoint temperature and indoor air temperature, and selectively drawingin outdoor air into an associated room.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein the one or more power consuming features/functions furtherincludes a light source for illuminating a user interface, and furthercomprising disabling the light source in the energy savings mode. 17.The method of claim 12, further comprising: determining the energy costassociated with the utility demand; displaying current cost of operatingthe air conditioner, displaying current cost of supplied energy, andalerting a user of a peak demand period.
 18. A combination airconditioner and heat pump comprising: a casing mountable within anassociated opening into an associated room, the casing having openingsrespectively communicating with indoor and outdoor air; a refrigerationsystem mounted within the casing, the refrigeration system including acompressor, a condenser and an evaporator in a refrigerant flowrelationship; at least one fan mounted in the casing for selectivelydrawing one of outdoor air and indoor air to one of the condenser andevaporator; and a controller configured to receive and process an energysignal, the signal having a first state indicative of a utility peakdemand period and a second state indicative of a utility off-peak demandperiod, the controller operating the combination air conditioner andheat pump in one of an energy savings mode and a normal operating modebased on the received signal being in the first and second statesrespectively, wherein the controller is configured to one of increaseand decrease a setpoint temperature of the refrigeration system andadjust a duty cycle of the compressor to precipitate less compressor ontime in the energy savings mode unless performance degradation of thecombination air conditioner and heat pump is detected.
 19. Thecombination air conditioner and heat pump of claim 18, wherein the atleast one fan includes a condenser fan for circulating outdoor air overthe condenser and an evaporator fan for circulating indoor air over theevaporator, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate therefrigeration system and reduce speed of one of the condenser fan andevaporator fan in the energy savings mode.
 20. The combination airconditioner and heat pump of claim 18, further including a sensingdevice operatively connected to the controller for measuring temperatureand humidity of the outdoor air and the temperature of the indoor air,wherein in a cooling mode if the measured temperature and humidity ofthe outdoor air is less than the setpoint temperature and indoortemperature, the controller is configured to deactivate therefrigeration system and selectively draw in outdoor air to theassociated room.
 21. The combination air conditioner and heat pump ofclaim 20, further including a damper for drawing outdoor air into theassociated room and a filter for filtering outdoor air.
 22. Thecombination air conditioner and heat pump of claim 18, wherein thecontroller is configured to reduce before peak demand period thesetpoint temperature to pre-chill the associated room to a temperaturelower than the setpoint temperature and increase the setpointtemperature during peak demand period.
 23. The combination airconditioner and heat pump of claim 18, wherein the controller isconfigured to increase before peak demand period the setpointtemperature to pre-heat the associated room to a temperature higher thanthe setpoint temperature and decrease the setpoint temperature duringpeak demand period.